Random Tips For Getting Most Out Of A Visit To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter (12 items)

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  (#1) Split A Butterbeer

  A trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter wouldn't be complete without its signature beverage, the Butterbeer. Cherished by young and old alike within the Harry Potter canon, the sweet, fizzy confection is served in a replica goblet, a collectible beer stein, or an inexpensive disposable cup, which can hold the most Butterbeer of the available options.

  Park-goers say it tastes like a combination of cream soda and butterscotch, with a slight element of succulent bitterness. You can get it hot, cold, or frozen. If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, many recommend splitting one.
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  (#2) Don't Skip The Small Details

  While the Wizarding World's rides and shops are more than worthy of your time and attention, the real magic lies in the minute details built into the park with great care. The windows in Diagon Alley display silhouettes of people talking and moving, and the red phone box outside of King’s Cross Station contains a working phone.

  By dialing 62442 (MAGIC), you will be redirected to the Ministry of Magic. Also, here's a pro tip: Try walking through Platform 9 ¾ for an immersive surprise.
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  (#3) Consider Visiting During The Winter

  If you're able, consider going during the park’s “off season." Months with colder weather are generally a safe bet, and adults have a major advantage during the school year. Many travel guides suggest going in early to mid-January, when the park is still decorated for the holidays and there are relatively few guests.

  Florida and California can only get so cold, but there’s nothing a warm Butterbeer can’t fix.
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  (#4) Grab A Bite To Eat

  After a long day of shopping, riding, and waiting in lines, you're certainly going to want some of the finest delicacies the Wizarding World has to offer. You'll be faced with many options, but most of the crowd favorites are located in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

  One Hogsmeade highlight is the Three Broomsticks, a tavern offering classic wizarding drinks like Butterbeer and pumpkin juice, as well as some bar food and light fare. It even features a cordoned-off bar, the Hog's Head.

  Over in Diagon Alley, you can sample classic British fare, such as cottage pie or bangers and mash, in addition to the usual signature drinks you can find throughout the park. If you're in the mood for something sweet, you can visit Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour for unusual and sweet frozen treats. If you go in the morning, they even offer a continental breakfast with pastries and juice.
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  (#5) Get The Park-To-Park Pass

  While the upfront cost can be hefty, the Park-to-Park pass may be a worthwhile investment. As the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between the two levels of Universal Studios Orlando, you need this pass to access the full experience - especially for the Hogwarts Express, which shuttles you from one to the other. The pass will run you an additional $55. 

  If you really want to get your money’s worth, couple that with the Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited passes, which allow you to cut past the punishingly long lines for all of your favorite attractions. The Express pass ($70) allows you to skip the line once per ride, while the Express Unlimited ($90) allows for unlimited skips.
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  (#6) Buy Your Interactive Wand Ahead Of Time

  As fun as the wand-choosing ceremony at Ollivanders may be, you will save time and money by purchasing your wand outside of the wand shop. Several carts that also offer the wands are posted throughout the park. You can also purchase them online from Universal and bring them to the park from home.

  While they may be pricey - upwards of $50 each - they are a worthwhile investment, as they can interact with many of the park’s fixtures. The spell-casting element of the park is an attraction all its own.
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  (#7) Avoid The Long Lines

  Long lines are notorious for disrupting the park experience. To most dedicated Potter fans, the attractions are well worth the wait, but you can plan out your visit ahead of time so you can spend as little time in line as possible. 

  First and foremost, get to the park before it opens. The hours vary month to month, but aim to arrive right before the gates open. This way, you can quickly head for the most coveted rides, such as Escape from Gringotts and the Forbidden Journey, before the lines get too dense. The crowd is also known to thin out in the hour before the park closes, so pace yourself if you want to last until the end of the night. 

  Other tips include the "no locker line" for people who don't need to store their items before riding, as well as the single-rider line, which is ideal for adults and older children. For those with young kids, you can ask for the "rider swap" system, where you can take your kids on a ride in turns without having to get back in line.

  If you're willing to shell out the extra cash, there's also the Universal Express or the VIP pass.
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  (#8) Chat With The Costumed Characters

  Don’t be afraid to chat up the costumed characters who are working and roaming throughout the park. By design, they don't fit into the Harry Potter canon, especially those who don’t work at Hogwarts - when asked, they'll say that they were homeschooled or went to a different magical school. 

  Even if they might not know Harry himself, they know the Wizarding World better than anyone, and they're more than willing to give you tips about the park and talk shop about their magical world. However, costumed employees are generally discouraged from breaking character, so don’t take this as a challenge.
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  (#9) If Rides Aren't Your Thing, Go On A Castle Tour

  For those who don't care for roller coasters but still want to see the interior of Hogwarts, one secret attraction you'll enjoy is the Castle Tour. When you reach the front of the line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, tell the attendant you want to take the Castle Tour.

  They'll direct you to a separate queue leading straight into the castle, which you can explore at your leisure. You can see the dungeon, the Mirror of Erised, the greenhouse, the classrooms, Harry Potter himself, and many other curiosities.
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  (#10) Know The Height Requirements

  Nothing will yank you from the magic more quickly than your child screaming because they aren't tall enough to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. To avoid this, research the height requirements for each attraction before you leave for the park. 

  Since you planned ahead, you'll also be able to reframe an unfortunate situation to your child in magical terms: “I wish you could ride the Dragon Challenge, but kids under 54 inches get cursed when they ride it. I don’t want for that to happen to you.”

  Forbidden Journey: 48 inches 
  Dragon Challenge: 54 inches  
  Flight of the Hippogriff: 36 inches  
  Escape from Gringotts: 42 inches
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  (#11) Ride The Hogwarts Express Both Directions

  After a long day (or two, or three) at the park, you probably won't complain at the prospect of sitting down in an air-conditioned space for a few minutes. Beyond that logistical benefit, the Hogwarts Express offers a breathtaking view that is best experienced in both directions. 

  If you depart from both the Kings Cross and the Hogsmeade stations, you may see Hagrid, Harry, Ron, Hermione, the Weasley twins, and several of your other favorite - or least favorite, if you count the Dementors - characters, if you pay attention.
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  (#12) Skip The Wand Show At Ollivanders

  Should you choose to visit the Ollivanders Wand Shop, you will be dazzled by the great attention and care the park has given to their replication of the shop and the wand-selection process. A costumed shop attendant selects one person in the crowd for a wand selection - usually a child - and a performative ceremony ensues.

  It’s all very charming, but is it worth waiting over two hours in line just for you or your children to not get picked? There are other wand retailers available that will take up less of your time, meaning you can maximize your time on other attractions at the park.

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